Shimla, May 24,
Normal life was disrupted in several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Friday as thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms swept through mid and high hill regions, following an orange alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The alert warned of gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph, accompanied by hail and lightning activity, prompting the administration to remain on high alert.
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The IMD further maintained a yellow alert for other parts of the state, forecasting continued weather disturbances over the next 48 hours. The department cautioned that heavy rainfall, hailstorm, and wind activity could lead to transportation delays, power outages, and potential damage to crops and orchards. Farmers, particularly in mid-hill regions, have been advised to cover their crops using hail nets or caps to minimize losses, especially as the apple season approaches.
Rainfall was reported in parts of Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Kullu districts, while higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur witnessed fresh snowfall. The fresh precipitation brought down temperatures sharply, although minimum temperatures at several stations remained 3 to 6 degrees above normal for this time of year. Rohru recorded the highest rainfall in the state with 10.0 mm over the past 24 hours, while Gondla registered only a trace. No snowfall was officially recorded at reporting stations.
Keylong was the coldest location in the state at 7.3 degrees Celsius. Other minimum temperatures reported from key locations included Shimla at 16.4°C, Sundernagar 23.1°C, Bhuntar 20.5°C, Kalpa 11.2°C, Dharamshala 14.8°C, Una 21.6°C, Nahan 20.9°C, Palampur 20.0°C, Solan 18.6°C, Manali 15.1°C, Kangra 23.5°C, Mandi 23.7°C, Bilaspur 23.8°C, Hamirpur 23.1°C, Chamba 21.3°C, Jubberhatti 19.4°C, Kufri 14.2°C, Kukumseri 9.4°C, Narkanda 12.3°C, Reckong Peo 15.9°C, Tabo 11.5°C, and Sarahan 12.3°C.
Authorities have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors during lightning activity, avoid open fields and isolated trees, and refrain from leaning against concrete surfaces. Livestock owners have also been advised to shelter their animals in safe enclosures until the weather stabilizes.
The IMD has urged citizens and tourists to stay updated via official bulletins, as atmospheric instability is expected to persist through the weekend. Emergency services across the state have been placed on alert, with local administrations ready to respond to any contingencies arising from the adverse weather.
